2019 NFL Mock Draft: D.K. Metcalf, T.J. Hockenson rising pre-Combine
By Cory Kinnan
1. Arizona Cardinals: Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
Nothing changes atop the draft from my first volume as Quinnen Williams lands at No. 1. Even though many think Nick Bosa is worlds ahead of everyone else, Williams truly played himself into this position, dominating quarterbacks and running backs behind the line of scrimmage all year long.
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The interior defensive lineman from Alabama may find himself atop the draft as in new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s 3-4, a pure pass rusher such as Bosa does not fit well as a 3-4 outside backer.
While the Cardinals are in prime position to trade back, given that they have many holes to fill and stacking picks may be the best strategy, a la Sashi Brown and Sam Hinkie, no trades take place in this mock draft. With Chandler Jones and Hassan Reddick already on the roster, Williams would be an asset to the defensive front-seven in the desert.
Williams feels like a top-three lock barring an unforeseen injury or scandal, which seems unlikely given his squeaky clean record in Tuscaloosa. The young 21-year old is destined for a bright future ahead of him. Arizona will be first on the clock, and with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select Williams.